Characterization of the chemical strengthened Nd-doped phosphate laser glass

Abstract

Recent advances in high repetition rate and high average power laser systems have put increasing demands on the development of solid state laser materials with high thermal loading capabilities. We have investigated strengthening the commercially available Nd-doped phosphate glass via an ion-exchange process. Introduction of a compressive layer onto the exterior surfaces of the glass through this exchange,1 results in a five-fold increase in thermal shock resistance for specific sample geometries. Our thermal shock test data show extremely small (approximately ± 5%) standard deviations compared with the 50–100% variation observed in data acquired through conventional mechanical fracture techniques. These data are summarized in Fig. 1.